TESCO has revealed a big change to Clubcard promotions after its legal row with Lidl.
The supermarket giant has now unveiled a new look for its loyalty scheme prices following the trademark battle.
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It comes just weeks after Tesco lost its appeal against a ruling that it infringed the German discounter’s trademark over the use of a yellow circle on a blue background.
Lidl uses a yellow circle in its main logo while Tesco uses a yellow circle logo to promote its Clubcard price promotion.
Members of Tesco’s loyalty scheme get access to cheaper prices on over 8,000 products through its Clubcard Prices incentive.
At the time, Tesco said it would honour the judgement and it would update its Clubcard Prices logo in the coming weeks.
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Tesco has nine weeks from the date it lost the appeal – March 19 – to replace over eight million Clubcard Prices logos in stores.
The rollout appears to have begun initially on the app, while the website is still sporting the former labelling.
Shoppers on the app will notice that the yellow circle has been axed completely, and replaced with a square and rectangle design in the same yellow and blue colourway.
A spokesperson said: “As we start to roll out our new Clubcard Prices logo, we’re laser-focused on the fantastic offers for our Clubcard customers with around 8,000 deals every week on everything from washing powder and store cupboard staples to clothing and homeware.”
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The Sun has asked for confirmation of when it will be rolled out more widely to stores as well.
While the appearance of the promotions will change, the deals will stay the same.
HIGH COURT DECISION
Lidl sued Tesco in 2020 shortly after it started using the yellow circle.
In a case heard at the High Court last year, the judge found for the German discount supermarket on claims of trademark infringement, passing off and copyright infringement.
The Court of Appeal dismissed Tesco’s appeal that it infringed Lidl’s trademark.
Trademarks are signs such as names and logos and are normally used as protections for brands.
But the court did uphold Tesco’s appeal against a finding that it infringed Lidl’s copyright.
Copyright is a form of intellectual property which aims to protect the expression of ideas.
At the time of the ruling, a Tesco spokesperson said: “Our customers always tell us just how important Clubcard Prices are to giving them great value – and it’s been a key reason why we’re consistently the cheapest full-line grocer.
“We are disappointed with the judgment relating to the colour and shape of the Clubcard Prices logo but would like to reassure customers that it will in no way impact our Clubcard Prices program.
“Clubcard Prices, irrespective of its logo, will continue to play a central role in rewarding our Clubcard members with thousands of deals every week.”
A Lidl spokesperson said: “We are delighted to see that the Court of Appeal has now agreed with the High Court that Tesco’s use of its Clubcard logo is unlawful.
“We expect Tesco now to respect the Court’s decision and change its Clubcard logo to one that is not designed to look like ours.”
It comes after Tesco started adding unit pricing to its Clubcard price labels on shelves.
Unit prices make it easier for shoppers to compare similar items of different sizes and choose the best deal.
Tesco told The Sun that the rollout of unit prices on Clubcard-promoted items is now underway in all of its 2,866 stores.
How does the Tesco Clubcard scheme work?
Tesco’s Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop, and these points can be turned into vouchers for money off food or other reward partner schemes.
One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you £1.50, for example.
You’ll need a minimum of 150 points to request a voucher.
These vouchers can either be worth the face value to spend in-store at Tesco, or you can double their worth to spend at reward partners, including restaurants, and on days out.
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Loyalty card holders can also get cheaper prices on over 8,000 items thanks to Clubcard Prices.
These Clubcard prices save the average member £351 on their annual shop, according to Tesco.
How to save on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
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